Space Coast Ophthalmology’s Optical Department
At Space Coast Ophthalmology we have a frame for every face and an option for every budget.
There’s a lot that goes into making that perfect pair of eyewear. So, let’s learn a little bit about different eye conditions that require the use of glasses and the options there are to give you your best vision possible.
Meet Our Optician
Lauren
Board Certified Licensed Optician
Lauren has been in the optical industry for 18+ years and is a Board Certified Licensed Optician. She grew up in Titusville and went to Titusville High School. Lauren moved to Orlando for college and then relocated back to Titusville for work. She loves working in the optical field because she is able to provide her patients with tools that change their daily lives, improving their well-being with glasses and contact lenses.
Let’s dive into the most common refractive conditions
Myopia– also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where people can see objects up close clearly, but objects far away appear blurry. In a healthy eye, light enters through the cornea and lens and is focused directly on the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). In a myopic eye, the shape of the eyeball is slightly too long, or the cornea is too curved. This causes the light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Hyperopia– this is the opposite of myopia, it’s called farsightedness. In hyperopia, people can see distant objects more clearly than things that are up close. So, reading, using a phone, or anything up close may be blurry or uncomfortable. In a hyperopic eye, the eyeball is usually too short, or the cornea is too flat. This causes light entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
Presbyopia – is a common age-related condition that affects the ability to change focus between near and distant objects. It typically begins to develop around the age of 40 and is a natural part of the aging process, affecting nearly everyone eventually. It specifically affects the ability to focus on close-up tasks, such as reading, sewing, or looking at a phone screen. This happens because, as we age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible and less able to change shape to focus on nearby objects.
Astigmatism – this common refractive condition happens when the shape of your eye isn’t perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a basketball, smooth and evenly curved, it is shaped more like a football, curved more in one direction than the other. This uneven curvature causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye. That leads to blurry, distorted, or stretched-out vision at any distance.
Now that we know about some of the common refractive conditions, let’s talk about different lens designs to help you see your best.
Single Vision Lenses – Single vision lenses have one focal point throughout the entire lens. This means they correct one type of vision problem, either near or far vision, but not both.
Bifocal Lenses – Bifocal lenses have two different focal points in the same lens. They’re mainly used to help people who need correction for both distance and near vision. These do have a visible line and may be referred to as lined bifocals.
Trifocal Lenses – Trifocal lenses are a level up from bifocals. Trifocal lenses have three different focal points, each with a different prescription:
- Top part – for distance vision (e.g., driving, watching TV)
- Middle section – for intermediate vision (e.g., using a computer)
- Bottom part – for near vision (e.g., reading, sewing, phone use)
Each section helps your eyes focus on a different focal range, making them a solution for people who need clear vision across all ranges and who cannot adapt or do not wish to wear progressive lenses but still want an “all in one” solution with their eyewear. Just like bifocals, these are lined lenses as they have two visible lines on the lens.
Progressive Lenses – Now let’s take a look at progressive lenses, they’re a modern, no-line alternative to bifocals and trifocals, and they’re popular for good reason. Progressive lenses offer a smooth, gradual transition between multiple vision zones, a truly all in one lens, without any visible lines or image jump from one zone to the next.
The three zones in the lens are just like a Trifocal:
- Top part– for distance vision (e.g., driving, watching TV)
- Middle section – for intermediate vision (e.g., using a computer)
- Bottom part – for near vision (e.g., reading, sewing, phone use)
Fun fact: There are different styles of progressives and they’re not all the same. There are basic narrower designs and wider designs depending on your needs. It’s always recommended to go with the widest design possible, as this will give you not only the most comfortable vision but those most natural feeling vision. These wider design progressive lenses are also the easiest to adapt to, making your transition into progressive lenses much easier with very limited adaptation time! We also have task specific progressive lenses, so if you spend a significant amount of time per day on the computer an office/computer pair of progressives would work wonderfully for you! When we are selecting our lens design, we’ll discuss how you’ll be using your lenses, and we can find the design that is going to work best for you and your lifestyle!
Lens Materials – they’re not all the same & why it matters
Standard Plastic (CR-39): Standard plastic lenses are an older lens material developed in the 1940’s to replace heavy glass lenses. Unfortunately, standard plastic lenses are not impact resistant and tend to be thicker and heavier than other types of lenses available. Standard plastic lenses also do not have any UV protection within the lens, whereas more modern lenses have inherent UV protection and better durability.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate lenses are a great option for a thinner lighter weight and impact resistant lens that have UV filter built directly into the lens itself. Available in a wide array of lens designs. Polycarbonate lenses are readily available and are a step above standard plastic lenses and provide great optical clarity.
Trivex: Trivex lenses are like polycarbonate in terms of being lightweight and impact-resistant, but Trivex material offers better optical clarity. They are often used in higher-end eyewear due to their superior performance and clarity, as well as having UV protection built into the lenses. These are a great option for seeing your absolute best.
High-Index Plastic 1.67 & 1.74: High-Index Plastic lenses are thinner and lighter than other material options. They are generally used for anyone with a prescription over +/- 4.00 so they are perfect for those individuals who tend to have a thicker prescription. They provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well sharper optical clarity with built in UV protection. No more coke bottle lenses here!
Ok we’ve covered a lot, I’m glad you’re still with me. Now let’s talk about all the great options for your new lens design!
Anti-Reflective Coating – Anti-reflective coating (AR), also known as anti-glare lenses, this is one of the most important options for your eyewear. For the best possible vision an Anti-Reflective Coating should be applied to the lenses. When your eyes are examined by the doctor, each of those lenses you were tested with in the phoropter have an Anti-Reflective coating applied to them because it allows you to not only see your clearest but allows more light into your eye while reducing glare. Anti-Reflective coatings also have a durable scratch coat built into them making the lenses more resistant to daily wear and tear. Anti-Reflective is designed to make your lenses clearer, more comfortable to wear, and more visually appealing. Who wouldn’t want more comfortable and clearer vision?!
Blue Light Filtering lenses– Blue light filtering lenses, also known as blue light blocking lenses, are designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. Blue light is a high energy, short-wavelength light on the visible spectrum. Blue light is emitted from several sources, the biggest source of blue light is emitted by the sun, our digital screens – phones, tablets, computers, Tv etc -, and LED and fluorescent lighting. Not all blue light is bad, but too much and you can have digital eye strain, issues with sleep, and visual discomfort. Some blue light filtering lenses may have a slight tint, while others may be virtually clear. Some of the benefits of blue light filtering glasses are:
- Reduced Eye Strain:
- Digital eye strain (or computer vision syndrome) can cause discomfort like dryness, blurry vision, headaches, and fatigue. Blue light filtering lenses help reduce the glare from digital screens, making it easier to look at your phone, computer, or tablet for longer periods without discomfort.
- Improved Sleep:
- Exposure to blue light at night—especially from screens—can interfere with your body’s natural production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Blue light filtering lenses can help reduce the amount of blue light hitting your eyes, especially if you use screens before bed, improving sleep quality.
- Better Visual Comfort:
- The slight tint often found in blue light lenses helps to enhance contrast on screens and reduce glare, which can make everything from watching movies to reading text easier on your eyes.
- Improved Focus and Productivity:
- Many people report feeling less fatigued after wearing blue light filtering lenses during long work or study sessions. Less eye strain can lead to improved focus and productivity, especially for people who work long hours in front of screens.
Transitions Lenses – Transitions lenses are a specific brand of photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses can adjust their tint in response to changing light conditions. These lenses are designed to provide convenience and comfort for people who often move between indoors and outdoors. Transitions Gen S lenses are the newest release they are faster, more responsive, and offer better performance than previous versions. They are available in several different options, such as 8 different color options, and styles that darken slightly in the car as well as polarized transitions! These lenses also have blue light filter built into the lens, so not only are you protected outdoors but also inside from harmful blue light!
And finally let’s not forget about prescription sunglasses, an absolute must here in sunny Florida!
Polarized Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses are a popular choice for anyone who spends time outdoors, especially in bright environments. They’re not just about protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, they also improve visual comfort and clarity outdoors. Polarized sunglasses have a special polarizing filter in the lenses that helps reduce glare. If you’ve ever been affected by squinting while outdoors, or the immense glare of the Florida morning sun through your car windshield, a pair of polarized sunglasses will help. What’s great is we can make them with your prescription so you can see clearly and comfortably!
Sometimes one pair of glasses does not solve all our visual needs. We may need multiple pairs for different tasks. It is not uncommon to have indoors, outdoors and computer glasses. Sometimes you may even want to have a different pair depending on the outfit you’re wearing. Whatever your reason may be, I’m here to help select a great pair or pairs of eyewear!
Ask about our Frame and Lens Packages
Frame and Lens packages are available for: Single Vision, Bifocals, Trifocals and Progressives. These are easy on the eyes and pocketbook!
Outside Prescription
We accept outside prescriptions! If you have the paper copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription from a different doctor we can use that to fill your order. If you don’t have the paper copy, no worries, we can get your provider to send that over to us, easy peasy!
Out of Network Benefits
Although our optical is out of network when it comes to vision insurance, it doesn’t mean you can’t use your benefits! If you have out of network benefit coverage you can be directly reimbursed by your insurance company, and I will gladly help you with this process.
Frame adjustments/Repairs
Frames slipping down? Temples hurting behind your ear? Sounds like you need a frame adjustment! It’s recommended to have eyewear adjustments every 4-6 months to keep your eyewear in tip-top shape. Frames can come out of alignment as we wear them often. Stop on in and I can take care of that for you with a free adjustment.
Our Frame and Lens Replacement Warranties
As of 01/01/2025
Here at Space Coast Ophthalmology, we pride ourselves on providing the best eye care possible. That doesn’t stop after you’ve picked up your eyewear. That’s why our frame and lens replacement is included with each purchase.
All frames that are purchased at Space Coast Ophthalmology will carry a 1 (one) time, 1 (one) year manufacturer replacement from the date of purchase, unless otherwise stated, exclusions apply.
Lenses purchased at Space Coast Ophthalmology with an Anti-Reflective coating will have a 2 (two) year or 2 (two) time replacement, whichever may come first, unless stated otherwise.
The replacement does not apply to loss or theft. All damaged lenses and frames must be returned to Space Coast Ophthalmology.
The replacement warranty fee is $25 per replacement
Warranty approval is at the discretion of the Optician
Your vision is important to me and making a custom set of eyewear that not only enhances but improves your daily life is my goal. So don’t make a spectacle of yourself, come see me for that perfect pair of eyewear!
Lauren Thomas, LDO
Licensed Optician
Space Coast Ophthalmology
Phone: 321-267-0008
